Comments on: Pima County Democratic Party endorses Tucson City Council incumbents (Wards 1, 2, and 4)

By: Carolyn Classen

Carolyn Classen — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 13:56:17 +0000

6 Arizona House legislators sent a letter on 4/14/11 expressing disappointment of this endorsement to Chair Jeff Rogers, stating that the Democratic Party usually refrains from taking sides in a contested primary (Ward 1 in this case). Letter is signed by Representatives Catherine Miranda (LD 13), Richard Miranda (LD 16), Macario Saldate & Sally Ann Gonzales (both LD 27), Bruce Wheeler (LD 28) and Matt Heinz (LD 29).

By: Carolyn Classen

Carolyn Classen — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 13:54:37 +0000

Reply from Chair Jeff Rogers of Pima County Dem Party to Luis Gonzales:”Thank you for sharing you concerns with us in your letter. I certainly appreciate those concerns, but as you can see the vote was 30 to 0, with one person abstaining who would have backed the resolution, but wanted to wait one month. Thus, it’s highly doubtful we would reconsider.There are unusual times and we expect the same dishonest and vicious attacks from Republicans this year as we saw in the 2009 City Election. We must rally our forces now, prepare for the general election and hold onto the seats we currently hold as well as take back the Mayor’s seat. We did not reach this decision lightly.I still haven’t met anyone who can tell me anything Mr. Flores has done for Democrats in this City in his 66 years here. The only things I know about him are that he run a payday loan establishment on the west side and previously continued with his father’s business. I’m sure he is a wonderful man and I look forward to meeting him.In stark contrast, Regina Romero has not only been an excellent councilwoman, but she has worked tirelessly for the least fortunate in this community every day of her career, both before being a councilwoman and then as a councilwoman. Moreover, she has been steadfast in her strong support of our other Democratic candidates in every election cycle.On another note, I have always appreciated your work for this community and hope you will remain involved in the party in the future. I was unaware that you were involved in Mr. Flores campaign – as the only person whose name we saw associated with him was Jesse Lugo.”

By: Carolyn Classen

Carolyn Classen — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 17:55:01 +0000

I received an email from Democratic Ward 1 candidate Joe Flores’ campaign last night, with a longer attachment:

“It is my hope and my request, on behalf of Candidate Flores that the Pima County Democratic Party re-consider its actions and rescind the endorsement of incumbents involved in contested primaries.Respectfully,Luis A. Gonzales Former State SenatorCampaign Manager; Flores for Council”

By: Fraser007

Fraser007 — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 08:26:58 +0000

Got your message. Sent data to your contact and forwarded you a copy. There are limits to me going public. But there should be a police report.

By: Carolyn Classen

Carolyn Classen — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:27:06 +0000

Not sure about past endorsements or current Pima County Dem Party policy, so may I suggest you email Adam Kinsey (or Jeff Rogers) for an answer?

By: alohapuna

alohapuna — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 21:47:28 +0000

That’s most unusual. The Pima County Democratic Party normally does not endorse a particular race that has two or more Democrats running in a primary election. I thought that was a standard protacol. I don’t ever remember this happening in my experience.